Problem: The student engages in off-task and possibly distracting behavior.

Behavioral Possibility: Manipulation

Step 1: Organize observations relevant to the problematic behavior/issue

• Who is reporting the problem?
• When does it occur? (Include time of day, activities etc).
• Where does it occur?
• What tends to precede the problematic behavior/issue?
• What tends to follow the problematic behavior/issue?
• What is the age and functioning level of the student?
• Previous documentation/charts?

Step 2: Identify possible contributors to the problematic behavior/issue

Some students may engage in off-task and possibly distracting behavior in the classroom as a form of manipulation (other than oppositional behavior). (See Tutorials on Teaching Positive Communication Alternatives to Negative Behavior; Behavior Management: Prevention Strategies).

Relevant observations: The student’s behavior may not be consistent across settings or people, suggesting the manipulation of specific people or situations.

Useful experiments for assessment and intervention:

1. Observe and record the frequency and/or intensity of the problem behavior when a new teaching strategy or support is being implemented versus when it is not being implemented.
2. Possible exploratory teaching strategies or supports manipulation (See Tutorial on Teaching Positive Communication Alternatives to Negative Behavior): If you believe that the student is being manipulative with specific people or in specific situations, change one aspect of the environment that the behavior is occurring in. For example, use a different teacher or assistant and record the frequency of the behavior. Then put the original teachers back into the environment and record the frequency of the behavior. Change only one variable at a time and compare the frequency of the behavior. Other variables to be explored include type of task, task difficulty, etc.
3. If the frequency and/or intensity of the targeted behavior decreases during intervention, it may be that manipulation is one of the contributing factors to the problem behavior. (See Tutorials on Teaching Positive Communication Alternatives to Negative Behavior; Behavior Management: Prevention Strategies; Behavior Management: Contingency Management).

Possible referrals: School psychologist or behavior specialist for behavioral assessment and behavior management strategies